Thill-coupling.



No. 65|,370. Patented June l2, I900. J. H. LITTLE.

THlLL COUPLING.

lication filed Apr. 21, 190

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NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN H. LITTLE, OF AMESBURY, MASSACHUSETTS.

THiLL-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 651,370, dated June 12, 1900.

Application filed April 21, 1900. Serial No. 13 ,709- (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OHN H. LITTLE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Armsbury, in the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shaft or Thill Couplings; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The present invention is designed as an improvement upon that class of shaft or thill couplings in which are employed two separable coupling-sections and means for holding them in a closed position around the coupling-bolt whereby a connection is made between the shaft or thill iron and the axle.

The invention consists of a simple and effective coupling that will be both durable and strong as a means of connection between the shaft or thill and the axle of a vehicle, substantially as shown in the drawings and hereinafter described and claimed.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a perspective view, partlyin section, showing myimproved coupling connecting the shaft or thill iron with the axle of a vehicle; Fig. 2, a plan view showing the pivoted and cam -locking bar in a locked position; Fig. 3, a similar view showing the locking-bar in an unlocked position; Fig. 4,a longitudinal sectional view of Fig. 2. Fig. 5, a similar view of Fig. 3; Fig. 6, adetail under side perspective view of the locking-bar.

In the accompanying drawings, A represents the axle-bed, and B the axle, to which is connected the usual clip 0 of any preferred construction to receive the coupling-bolta and rubber or other elastic cushion b to serve as an antirattler.

The coupling-sections of the shaft or thill comprises a stationary jaw D and a movable jaw E, the stationary jaw being cast or otherwise formed with the thill-iron F upon the outer end thereof, said thill-iron having a longitudinal slot 0 to receive the arm d upon the pivotal jaw E. This movable jaw E is pivoted between and to the ears e of the stationary jaw by means of the pivot-pin f, both the jaws being adapted to close down over the cushion b of the coupling-bolt a, and is locked thereto by means of a locking-bar G. The stationary jaw D, at its inner extremity, is formed with a cam-shoulder 9 upon either side of the slot 0, and the arm d has a similar cam-shoulder it. When the jaws D E are in a closed position, the shoulder h will be in position to register with the shoulders g, forming togethera continuous cam-shoulder, as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. A cam 2' upon the under side of the locking-bar Gis brought in contact with the cam-shoulder formed by the shoulders g h, which effectually locks thetwo. jaws D E together. These shoulders g h, as well as the cam-shoulder i, are very slightly in the form of cams, only sufficient to form a frictional bearing between the two. The arm d of the pivoted jaw E is cast orotherwise formed withapivotpin it to receive the eye I upon the end of the locking-bar G, whereby a pivotal connection is formed between the arm and the bar. Upon the end of the pin 70 is rigidly secured a disk m,which serves both as a stationary washer and a guide-plate for the eye Z. The shoulders g h are slightly overhanging, as shown in Fig. at of the drawings, and the shoulder 't' is in form to correspond therewith, so that when the shoulders engage each other any dirt or grit will be excluded from entering between them.

The locking-bar G may be provided with a loop 0 for connecting thereto one end of a fastening-strap, as found most desirable.

There may be many changes or modifications in the several details of construction without affecting the essential features of the invention so long as the same results from ordinary mechanical judgment.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A shaft or thill coupling comprising a stationary jaw upon the end of a thill-iron, said iron having a longitudinal slot or'opening and ears upon its sides, a movable jaw pivoted to and between the ears and having an arm located in the slot, and a locking-bar pivotally connected to the arm' for holding the two jaws closed, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. A shaft 01- thill coupling comprising a pin upon the arm, a locking-bar having an eye engaging with the pin and formed with a cam-shoulder upon its under side, said bar I5 having a loop at its end, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the above I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two Witnesses.

JOHN H. LITTLE.

Witnesses:

FRANK R. WHITGHER, GEORGE W. GATE. 

